Technical SME

Duration: Full-time Clearance Required: Active Top Secret clearance Certification Required: IAT Level III Certification; One or more of the Computing Environment (CE) Certifications Description: The Systems Engineer Lead is responsible for the design, administration, optimization, and security of enterprise server infrastructure supporting mission-critical academic, defense, and research operations. This role leads server engineering initiatives across physical, virtual, and cloud-connected environments while ensuring high availability, scalability, performance, and cybersecurity compliance. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Windows Server administration, virtualization, enterprise storage, identity integration with Microsoft Entra ID, and enterprise cloud platforms including Microsoft 365 or Office 365 within highly regulated environments. Key Responsibilities: Lead the architecture, deployment, and maintenance of enterprise server infrastructure. Administer and support: Windows Server environments Virtualized infrastructure Hybrid cloud-connected systems Enterprise messaging and collaboration services Manage and support: Microsoft 365 Office 365 Exchange Online Teams SharePoint Online OneDrive administration Manage identity and access integration using: Active Directory Microsoft Entra ID Group Policy Conditional Access Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Oversee server lifecycle management including: Provisioning Patching Hardening Monitoring Backup and disaster recovery Maintain high-availability systems and ensure maximum uptime for critical services. Configure and manage virtualization platforms such as: VMware Hyper-V Nutanix Support enterprise storage and backup infrastructure. Implement cybersecurity best practices including: Server hardening Vulnerability remediation Access control management Audit compliance Monitor infrastructure performance and troubleshoot complex server-side issues. Develop automation scripts using PowerShell and enterprise automation tools. Support data center operations, maintenance windows, and infrastructure upgrades. Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, and application teams on infrastructure initiatives. Create and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and disaster recovery plans. Lead junior engineers and infrastructure modernization projects. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. 10+ years of enterprise server administration or systems engineering experience. Strong expertise with: Windows Server Active Directory Microsoft Entra ID Microsoft 365 Office 365 VMware or Hyper-V Experience with: Exchange Online SharePoint Online Teams Administration DNS, DHCP, Group Policy Server virtualization Enterprise backup systems Storage infrastructure Patch management systems Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, DISA STIGs, and server hardening standards. Strong PowerShell scripting and automation experience. Strong troubleshooting and infrastructure optimization skills.